Maryland Gun Laws Overturned by Federal Appeals Court

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the 4th Circuit has overturned Maryland's handgun licensing law, ruling that it violated the Second Amendment. The law, which required fingerprinting, firearms training, and a waiting period of up to 30 days, was deemed unconstitutional by a 2-1 vote. The court's decision is one of the first to apply the Supreme Court's new historical test, which requires judges to consider whether modern-day regulations align with those in place during the country's founding. Gun rights advocates argue that many existing state and federal gun laws cannot survive this test. Maryland officials are evaluating their appeal options, while gun rights activists and the National Rifle Association celebrate the ruling.